Writing Your Life as a Woman with Ms. Dean Lofton

A class taught in the style of journal writing workshops…
guides women to write their stories
and discover their voice…
gentle encouragement
in a non-academic, creative environment…
no writing experience necessary…

When
Class meets Wednesdays
12noon – 2pm for 4 weeks
Two sessions:
January 11 to February 1
February 8 – 29

Since 1997 I’ve designed and taught non-academic, community writing workshops such as Writing Your Life as a Woman, Collecting Your Memories and the Closet Fiction Writer’s Workshop. Workshops can be tailored for your organization, special event or group of friends.

Credits include:
long-running “skirt tales” column in the original skirt! Magazine body/mind spirit column, features and reporting in the Charleston Post and Courier and the Columbia Free Times, Columbia Business Journal, Charleston Regional Business Journal, short stories and feminism column in Point.
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Here’s some recent press:
Austin Business Journal profile

Writing on the Air interview, 3/9/11, KOOP 91.7 FM

“… a mix of fabulously interesting women including songwriters, movers and shakers and professionals…
I left class that day feeling liberated and expressed. … it’s fabulous!” –
Launch787.com

IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
Students’ comments on classes with Dean Lofton.

“I loved Dean Lofton’s writing workshop “Writing Your Life As A Woman.” It became a weekly ritual that I looked forward to … I loved this format of class – no critiquing, no judging – just writing and sharing. I would take it again!” – Suzanna Choffel, singer/songwriter

“Dean’s class helped me get more in touch with my writing, my life direction and a lot of kick ass females. I recommend this class to anyone looking for a little pick me up in the soul department.” – Laura, 28, engineer/writer/blogger

“Taking this workshop has been an amazing thing for me. I am learning how to allow all of my thoughts and words to reach the paper without judging them…in fact, I am learning how to appreciate and celebrate what I already have inside! This class has been such an amazing experience and I am looking forward to seeing how this affects my songwriting as well.” – Vanessa Lively, singer/songwriter, artist

“. . . when I saw the ad for Dean’s class, it was a no brainer. Her passion for the craft of writing comes through so strongly in everything she does and I needed some of that to rub off on me. So motivating!” – Laura, 48, musician, songwriter

“Dean’s workshop is the best part of my week. I’ve taken her class twice now and it really sets me up for writing for the November “National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)” I have seen Dean’s instruction as a great training program to warm me up. I *heart* Dean’s class!” – Shelby, 28, graduate student

“I have really enjoyed ‘write & share’ flow – sharing before editing was scary, but it turned out to be very valuable. It confirmed for me how we touch each other through writing when it comes straight from the heart.” – Carmen, 37, writer
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I, _____________________________________________, on this ______ day of _____________, 20__, do bravely enter into this agreement with myself to treat myself to the soul-filling creative undertaking of a writing workshop.

1. I agree to try wholeheartedly to arrive on time. If I arrive late I’ll dive right in to the download writing exercise with no “I’m sorry’s” or guilt.

2. I agree to keep my pen moving during all timed exercises, even if I completely run out of things to say because if I stop writing I might start judging and editing.

a. I will feel free to write absolute drivel, or “I have nothing to say.” Over and over.
b. I will write whatever I am thinking even if it’s “I don’t know what to write…”or I don’t want to be here…”
c. If feeling stuck, I will boldly attempt to jump start my writing by beginning sentences with: “I remember… I don’t remember… I want to write about… I don’t want to write about…”

3. Without hesitation I will write my first thoughts even if they’re not neat and tidy. These ideas are uncensored, sincere and usually things I really need to write out of my head and onto paper.

4. At no point will I bother my pretty little head with such trivial matters as grammar, punctuation or spelling. I shall dispense with such ridiculous worries as grades, red pens, permanent records and concerned phone calls to my parents.

5. Should I ever decide to, I’ll “pass” on reading out loud without scorn from my classmates or shame from myself.

6. I absolutely, positively, swear I will not apologize before reading my writing out loud.

a. This includes masked apologies such as “It’s really not very good,” or “I’m not a good writer, but I’ll read anyway.”
b. I will honor the class motto of “Never say you’re sorry before you read.”

7. Upon receiving a compliment I will graciously accept it without one iota of deferral, and I will take at least one entire moment to bask in the pleasure of receiving praise.

8. No matter what topic is suggested I will always be true to my heart and mind and follow my pen where it leads me.

9. I will help create and honor this class as a “safe psychic space” which means it is free of emotional and mental abuse.

10. Simply by being present I commit to honoring others’ privacy. What happens in class stays in class.

11. My mind will remain open to experiences and beliefs different than mine.

12. In all ways I will be kind, encouraging and supportive to others and to myself.

By signing below, I agree to the above, so I, and those gathered with me, might find great joy in writing, creating, exploring and playing.

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